Compressor cylinder lubrication systems and methods utilizing three-way valves

A maintenance and lubrication method comprising:

• I) circulating a first lubricating oil from a first pump through a first three-way valve into a lubricating oil inlet of a compressor cylinder and optionally discharging the first lubricating oil from a lubricating oil outlet,
• wherein the first three-way valve has an inlet for receiving the first lubricating oil from the first pump, a first outlet for discharging the first lubricating oil to the lubricating oil inlet of the compressor cylinder, and a second outlet for discharging the first lubricating oil to a first oil collection pan;
• II) circulating lubricating oils from two or more additional pumps through respective three-way valves into respective lubricating oil inlets of the compressor cylinder and optionally discharging the lubricating oils from the lubricating oil outlet,
• wherein the three-way valves have respective inlets for receiving the lubricating oils from the two or more additional pumps, respective first outlets for discharging the lubricating oils to the respective lubricating oil inlets of the compressor cylinder, and respective second outlets for discharging the lubricating oils to respective oil collection pans;
• III) removing the first pump from service;
• IV) closing the first outlet of the first three-way valve and opening the second outlet;
• V) performing maintenance on the first pump;
• VI) restoring flow of the first lubricating oil from the first pump through the first three-way valve;
• and
• VII) opening the first outlet of the first three-way valve and closing the second outlet.